Endemic and invasive species of Lake Matano and allowable suspended solid load to sustain high species endemism

Abstract

Abstract Lake Matano, an ancient tectonic, is characterized by its high degree of aquatic fauna endemism and richness dwelling the littoral bed. Two main issues threatening the sustainability of those species are 1) high rate of land conversion and 2) the occurrence of invasive fish species. Through this study, we unveiled how sediment load from converted lands may have influenced the habitat of the endemic species. Based on our hydrodynamic simulation, suspended solid loads from the incoming streams have been accumulating in certain littoral areas of the lake, which is the preferable habitat for most endemic species. We computed that the maximum suspended solid loads from those inlets is 25 kg/day in order to minimize the impact of sedimentation in littoral zones. An in-depth analysis of species interaction in the littoral zone was also performed to depict probable threats to endemic fauna dwelling littoral areas of the lake.